Zero-carbon parks are a new model for promoting the green, low-carbon, sustainable and high-quality development of industrial parks in the context of carbon peak and carbon neutrality targets.

At the Central Economic Work Conference in December, Chinese leaders outlined economic priorities for 2025, placing green transition high on the agenda. Zero-carbon parks are seen as crucial hubs for achieving China's "dual carbon" goals of peaking carbon emissions before 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality before 2060.

Here are some examples of zero-carbon parks in China and abroad.

In China:

Xiongan New Area

Major green projects can be found across Xiongan New Area in north China's Hebei Province. One example is a new energy ecological park opened in June, featuring an integrated solar photovoltaic system, as well as ground and air source heat pumps, which has achieved the zero-carbon building standard. A smart low-carbon management system is utilized to operate the park, aiming to reduce annual carbon emissions by 10,000 tonnes.

Tianjin Port

Advanced technologies were utilized in the construction of Tianjin Port in north China to strengthen environmental protection. The port has achieved green energy self-sufficiency in the whole production process, with electricity generated by wind turbine and photovoltaic plants. Zero-carbon smart wharves epitomize the green focus at Tianjin Port, where wind, photovoltaic and other new energy generation systems have been built with a total installed capacity of 78 megawatts, generating 180 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually. Electric charging stations for heavy trucks have also been installed.

CRRC Zero Carbon Industrial Park

On December 26, CRRC Zero-Carbon Industrial Park was officially completed in Zhuzhou, central China's Hunan Province. By utilizing low-carbon technologies such as waste heat recovery and integrating solar, energy storage and charging systems, energy consumption at the park can be reduced in single-product production by 12 percent. The proportion of clean energy used exceeds 50 percent, making it one of the leading green manufacturing parks in the country.

Around the world:

Masdar City, UAE

Masdar City, in Abu Dhabi, is an example of zero-carbon urban development. The hub relies heavily on renewable energy, with a 10 MW photovoltaic plant and rooftop solar panels supplying clean electricity. Buildings are designed with energy-efficient materials and passive cooling systems, reducing energy consumption by over 50 percent. An autonomous electric transport system eliminates emissions from vehicles. Smart grid technology optimizes energy distribution and storage, while treated wastewater is reused to conserve resources.

BedZED, UK

BedZED, in London, blends residential and business spaces within a zero-carbon framework. Solar panels generate renewable electricity, while super-insulated walls and triple-glazed windows minimize heating and cooling needs. Heat recovery systems further improve efficiency. Rainwater harvesting and wastewater recycling reduce resource consumption, and electric vehicle charging points encourage sustainable transportation. Buildings are made from locally sourced, low-carbon materials, emphasizing sustainability from construction to operation.